Posterior tibial artery perforator pedicle propeller flaps for soft tissue coverage of the lower leg and foot defects / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the clinical efficiency of posterior tibial artery perforator pedicle propeller flaps for soft tissue coverage of the lower leg and foot defects.Methods From May,2008 to May,2016,30 cases with soft tissue defects of the lower leg and foot were cured by using posterior tibial artery perforator pedicle propeller flaps.The size of flaps ranged from 8.0 cm×4.0 cm to 24.0 cm×9.0 cm.Fascia flap was harvested in 5 cases,8 cases with deep fascia,and 6 cases with saphenous vein and saphenous nerve.The degree of flap rotation were from 160° to 180°.The donor sites were closed directly in 27 cases,and covered with skin grafting in 1 case,and with sequential flap in 2 cases.The shape,color,texture and satisfaction of the flaps were recorded during follow-up.Results Twenty-five flaps survived completely.The distal part of skin flap necrosis occurred in 3 cases and the wound healed well after dressing change.The distal part of flap necrosis occurred in 1 case,and free anterolateral thigh perforator flap was used to repair in the second phase.The complete necrosis of the flap occurred in 1 case,healing with scar after 2 months dressing treatment.All cases were followed-up from 4 months to 4.5 yeas (average 1.7 years).All flaps were smooth with a satis fied appearance and high patient satisfaction.Conclusion Posterior tibial artery perforator pedicle propeller flap which has reliable blood supply,less donor-site morbidities,cosmetic shape,simple operation and less postoperative complications,is an ideal method for soft tissue coverage of the lower leg and foot defects.